When I think of large parks that can hold big events or be enjoyable to stroll through, bring a…read moredog, or perhaps have a picnic, I can certainly envision the Margaret T. Hance Park. I've personally been there for a number of festivals over the years, and my sister-in-law has led fitness classes in the park. I have also used the park to cut across from the library to the other side of the park as a shortcut before. I feel that it is well-maintained with some play grounds, areas to sit, and areas to avoid the sun as need be.
I stopped by the Margaret T. Hance Park this past weekend to attend the annual Arizona Fall Festival, which included food, service, and shopping vendors, plenty of food trucks, alcohol tasting area, games, auction, and more. This upcoming week, the Phoenix Pizza Festival will be held there. A lot of careful planning takes place for each and every festival taking place in the park.
This public park was named after the first female mayor of Phoenix who advocated for the park. In 2016, the city announced a ten-year master plan costing over $100 million dollars, which would include adding an amphitheater, a skate park, and more. The park is home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Irish Cultural Center, McClelland Irish Library, Phoenix Center for the Arts, and Burton Barr Phoenix Central Library.
Features of the 32-acre park include a dog park, drinking fountains, grills, picnic area, playground, restrooms, shade structures, splash pad, and a volleyball court. The park itself is ADA accessible. The published hours of the park are daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. You can read more about the park at https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/activities-facilities/city-parks/margaret-t-hance-park.html.
I look forward to seeing what this park turns into as it has such amazing potential!